The Phoenix Suns are expected to hire former Hornets and Pistons executive Jeff Bower to a long-term deal as the team’s senior vice president of basketball operations in the next 24-48 hours, reports 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.
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Bower has more than a decade of experience in the GM position, both for the New Orleans Pelicans and most recently the Detroit Pistons.
This hire, if completed, would become the very first hire made by Robert Sarver of a candidate with significant NBA experience at the level of which he is hired to work under Sarver.
GMs, Presidents and VPs hired by Sarver:
- Mike D’Antoni — named the interim GM after Bryan Colangelo left
- Steve Kerr (President and GM)
- Lon Babby (President of Basketball Ops)
- Lance Blanks (GM)
- Ryan McDonough (GM)
- James Jones (VP)
None had prior experience in that role in the NBA. The Phoenix Suns have missed the playoffs for NINE straight seasons, and won fewer than 25 games in each of the last four.
Now, if Jeff Bower is truly hired, would be a first for Sarver.
But don’t expect anything else to significantly change in terms of reporting structures. Bower still reports to Sarver. So does Jones. James Jones almost certainly remains in a GM position, as would almost certainly Trevor Bukstein. Word is that Bower is seen as an addition rather than a replacement.
In his years running front offices, Bower has had more success putting together competitive teams via free agency and trades than via drafting.